The Use of Pentolinium Tartrate with and without Hydralazine in the Treatment of Severe Hypertension

Abstract

PENTOLINIUM tartrate is a pentamethonium derivative in which the two terminal quaternary nitrogen atoms are included in a pyrrolidine ring rather than each being trimethylated: This substance is an autonomiC blocking agent like its parent methonium compound. It is longer acting and has greater absolute effect on blood pressure, coupled with a relatively smaller effect on gastrointestinal motility, than the hexamethonium ion.^{1 2 3} Pentolinium tartrate has been used alone to lower blood pressure and thereby to permit regression of the signs and symptoms associated with severe hypertension.^{4 5 6} For the malignant phase of hypertension, with its poor prognosis,^{7 8 9} the combination of hydralazine . . .